How To Crochet The Popcorn Stitch: Step-By-Step Tutorial With Video

Popcorn stitches add bold, 3D texture to your crochet work, perfect for everything from blankets and wash mitts to cozy accessories.

This beginner-friendly guide shows you how to crochet the popcorn stitch step by step, with helpful tips and a video tutorial.

Before You Get Started

Here are a few helpful tips before you begin:

Choose a worsted weight (category 4) or aran yarn — they’re ideal for a defined popcorn shape.
Use a hook size that matches your yarn (like 5mm for worsted).
This tutorial uses US crochet terms.
Be sure to check if your pattern uses UK or US terminology, as the stitch abbreviations can differ.

Tools + Materials

Worsted or aran weight yarn
Matching crochet hook (e.g., 5mm / US H-8)
Yarn needle (for weaving ends)
Scissors
Optional: stitch markers

How To Crochet The Popcorn Stitch (Step-by-Step)

This popcorn stitch tutorial creates a textured stitch using clusters of 5 double crochets.

Let’s walk through it one step at a time:

1. Make a Foundation Chain

Chain an odd number of stitches (e.g., 19) using your preferred yarn and hook.
Need help? → How To Start A Crochet Chain

2. Single Crochet Across

Start in the 2nd chain from the hook and make 1 row of single crochet (sc).
Need help? → How To Single Crochet (SC)

3. Begin the Popcorn Stitch

In the second row, chain 1 and prepare to work into the next stitch.
To make the popcorn:
Work 5 double crochets (dc) into the same stitch — it will fan out like a small shell.

Need help? → How To Double Crochet (dc) For Beginners

4. Remove Hook and Insert into First DC

Gently pull up your working loop and remove the hook.
Now, insert the hook into the first of the 5 dc stitches you just made.

5. Reinsert Hook into Working Loop

With your hook still in the first double crochet stitch, grab the working loop again and pull it through.

making a crochet bobble for the popcorn stitch

6. Pop the Stitch Closed

Pull the loop tightly through the first dc to close the popcorn shape. You’ll see a raised “bump” form.

crochet bobble and row of single crochet

7. Complete the Row

Continue across the row like this:
Single crochet (sc), then popcorn stitch (pop), then sc
Repeat until the row ends, finishing with a sc.

8. Turn and Crochet Back

Chain 1, turn your work, and single crochet across the next row (the wrong side row (ws).

This helps the crochet popcorn stitches to stand out on the right side (the front of your work).

The top of the popcorn stitches don’t look like little V’s, but they are the straighter stitches between the V’s.

working the reverse side of the popcorn stitch row

Video Tutorial

You can watch the video tutorial on my YouTube channel here.

FAQs + Extra Tips

1. What is the abbreviation for the popcorn stitch?

It’s typically written as pop or pc in both US and UK crochet terms.

US terms = uses double crochet (dc)

UK terms = uses treble crochet (tr)

Learn everything about crochet abbreviations – Crochet Abbreviations (US + UK Terms) Free Printable

2. Is there a single crochet popcorn stitch?

Yes, there is a single crochet popcorn stitch, though it’s less common than the double crochet popcorn stitch.

Instead of using double crochet stitches, this variation uses five single crochet (sc) stitches worked into the same stitch.

After completing the five single crochets, you remove your hook from the loop, insert it into the first sc of the group, reinsert the hook into the dropped loop, and pull it through to close the popcorn.

This creates a smaller, tighter popcorn that still gives a raised, textured effect but with a more compact appearance.

It’s especially useful in small-scale projects like amigurumi, baby items, or detailed motifs, where a full double crochet popcorn might be too bulky.

3. Is the popcorn crochet stitch a yarn eater?

This is because the stitch involves working multiple full stitches, usually five double crochets, into a single stitch or space, which significantly increases yarn usage compared to basic stitches like single crochet or double crochet.

If you’re making a project with lots of popcorn stitches, it’s wise to plan ahead and purchase extra yarn, as these types of stitches are known yarn eaters that can quickly use up your supply.

4. What’s the difference between popcorn, puff, and bobble stitches?

Bobble Stitches: A bobble stitch is made using several half-finished double crochets worked into the same stitch, which are then closed together with a single yarn-over and pull through all loops on the hook. This results in a softer, more flexible bump that’s less raised than a popcorn. While both stitches add texture, popcorn stitches are bolder and more defined, whereas bobbles create a subtler, puffier effect

Puff Stitches: The puff stitch is formed by repeatedly yarning over and inserting the hook into the same stitch to draw up multiple loops, often five to seven, before yarning over again and pulling through all loops on the hook. This gives the puff stitch a softer, airier, and more elongated appearance than the dense, compact texture of the popcorn stitch.
Both add texture, but popcorns are more defined, while puffs are subtler and spongier.

Check out the step-by-step tutorial here – Crochet Puff Stitch (A How-To Tutorial For Beginners)

5. How many dc in a popcorn stitch?

Usually 5 double crochets in the same stitch or space.

Some might use four or even six double crochets to create a smaller or larger popcorn effect.

Ultimately, the number of double crochet stitches you will need depends on the pattern you are following.

Free Popcorn Stitch Pattern To Try

Ready to incorporate the popcorn stitch on your crochet projects?

Make your own textured wash mitt!

Crochet Bath Mitt Pattern (Free Printable)

Want To Learn More?

If you need a refresher or you are looking for crochet patterns, these posts are a must-read.